The Tashkent Agreement of 1966 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Indo-Pakistani relations, emerging from a backdrop of escalating tensions following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. Rooted in a complex web of historical animosities, territorial disputes, and geopolitical ambitions, the circumstances leading to the agreement were multifaceted. The war itself was sparked by territorial conflicts, particularly over the region of Kashmir, and exacerbated by broader Cold War dynamics, with India aligning itself with the Soviet Union and Pakistan with the United States. Against this volatile backdrop, international pressure mounted for a resolution to the conflict. The Tashkent Agreement, brokered by the Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin, brought together Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistani President Ayub Khan to negotiate a ceasefire and discuss terms for peace. Among its highlights, the agreement delineated a ceasefire line, facilitated the withdrawal of troops to pre-war positions, and emphasized the principle of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. Despite its eventual collapse due to unresolved issues, the Tashkent Agreement stands as a landmark attempt at diplomatic resolution amidst regional turmoil.
Tags: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
Decoding the Question:
- In Introduction, try to answer, what is the Tashkent agreement?
- In Body,
- Write about the circumstances that led to the Tashkent Agreement.
- Mention the highlights of the agreement.
- Conclude with stating the aftermath of the Tashkent agreement.
Answer:
Tashkent Agreement is an accord signed by India’s prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistan’s president Ayub Khan ending the 17-day war between Pakistan and India from August–September 1965. A cease-fire had been secured by the United Nations Security Council on Sept. 22, 1965.
Circumstances that Led to the Tashkent Agreement:
- The first Indo-Pak war took place just after independence, known as the first Kashmir war. The war was followed by a ceasefire agreement, which led to establishing a line of control as de facto border between the two nations. But it could not solve the problem.
- In April 1965, Pakistan sent its special forces unit dressed as Kashmiri locals to India. This operation of Pakistan was known as Operation Gibraltar. The primary objective of the operation was to instigate an insurrection against the Indian government by locals. It led to war between India and Pakistan in August 1965. The war continued up to September 1965.
- This was the era of the cold war between two superpowers, the USA and the USSR. These two superpowers wanted the warring nations to make negotiations. Finally, the USSR played the role of mediator. A meeting was held at Tashkent between India and Pakistan in January 1966.
- The Indian Prime Minister and the President of Pakistan met at Tashkent. They discussed the existing relations between India and Pakistan, declaring their firm resolve to restore normal and peaceful relations between their countries and promote understanding and friendly relations between them.
- Since the war was taking a toll on the Indian economy, it is considered that the attainment of these objectives of vital importance for the welfare of the 600 million people of India and Pakistan.
The mediation was done through the USSR, upon which a meeting was held at Tashkent, from 4th to 10th January 1966 in order to create a more lasting peace between India and Pakistan. The discussion was between Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Pakistani President Muhammad Ayub Khan being moderated by Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin.
The highlights of the agreement:
- The parties agreed to withdraw all armed forces to positions held before Aug. 5, 1965; to restore diplomatic relations; and to discuss economic, refugee, and other
- They agreed to make every effort in conformity with the United Nations Charter to promote amicable ties between India and Pakistan.
- Both India and Pakistan agree to follow the principle of non- interference in their affairs and to discourage the use of propaganda against each other.
- Both countries also agree to resume normal diplomatic operations and return their respective High Commissioners to their offices.
- Measures were to be done to restore commercial and trade links, as well as communications and cultural interactions between the two countries. Actions were to be done to put existing agreements between Pakistan and India into effect.
- Prisoners of war from both countries would be returned home.
The Tashkent agreement was an excellent effort to establish peace between the nations. But the peace was temporary as both the nations once again fought against each other in the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war.
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